By Ismail Azeez, Osogbo
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, on Friday was noticeably absent at the coronation of Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja as the 44th Olubadan of Ibadanland.
Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, was filled with eminent personalities from within and outside Nigeria, including traditional rulers and politicians, who gathered to witness the historic installation of the new Olubadan.
Oba Ladoja, who clocked 81 on Thursday, ascended the throne from the civil line of succession, specifically from the Otun Olubadan position — the most senior chief in the civil hierarchy.
Although missing at the Friday ceremony, Oba Ogunwusi had earlier paid a courtesy visit to Oba Ladoja at his Bodija residence in Ibadan on Sunday. His absence was later traced to his compulsory seven-day seclusion, a critical part of the rites preceding the annual Olojo Festival in Ile-Ife.
The Ooni explained that this year’s Olojo rites would be dedicated to fervent prayers for Nigeria’s peace, unity, and sustainable progress.
He urged traditional rulers across the Oduduwa race to embrace unity as the only veritable path to collective strength and development.
The Olojo Festival, meaning “the Day of the First Dawn,” marks the creation of the earth by the Almighty and remains one of the oldest and most revered cultural celebrations in Oduduwa land, symbolising renewal and the spiritual authority of Ile-Ife as the cradle of humanity.
“I am praying for Nigeria and for Nigerians. I seek God’s mercy upon this land. May we all experience peace, unity, progress, and the blessings of the Almighty. To the sons and daughters of Oduduwa everywhere, I urge you: be peaceful, be united, and let us work together for progress,” the Ooni declared.